``There is there is,'' answered the wretched woman, ``deep, black, damning
guilt,
guilt, that lies like a load at my breast
guilt, that all the penitential fires of hereafter cannot cleanse.
I beg permission to have a few witnesses examined concerning my character, and if their testimony shall not overweigh my supposed
guilt, I must be condemned, although I would pledge my salvation on my innocence."
But there lay the embroidered letter, glittering like a lost jewel, which some ill-fated wanderer might pick up, and thenceforth be haunted by strange phantoms of
guilt, sinkings of the heart, and unaccountable misfortune.
The
guilt of Dusar might be for ever buried with her bones," he concluded in a low, savage whisper.
In many cases it will connect itself with the pre-existing factions, and will enlist all their animosities, partialities, influence, and interest on one side or on the other; and in such cases there will always be the greatest danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties, than by the real demonstrations of innocence or
guilt.
At the very instant he did this and uttered those words, Pierre felt that the question of his wife's
guilt which had been tormenting him the whole day was finally and indubitably answered in the affirmative.
The horror of a mind like Fanny's, as it received the conviction of such
guilt, and began to take in some part of the misery that must ensue, can hardly be described.
"The fact of Desertion I will not dispute; But its
guilt, as I trust, is removed(So far as related to the costs of this suit) By the Alibi which has been proved.
Devise me, then, the love which not only beareth all punishment, but also all
guilt!
